John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. But it was so, that in the twenty and third year of King Jehoash, the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house .] Either the people being backward to pay in the money, or the priests converted it to their own use: or, however, were negligent of doing the work enjoined them by the king, either in collecting the money, or in using it as they were directed.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-16 - It is a great mercy to young people, especially to all young men of rank, like Jehoash, to have those about them who will instruct them to do what is right in the sight of the Lord; and they do wisely and wel for themselves, when willing to be counselled and ruled. The temple wa out of repair; Jehoash orders the repair of the temple. The king wa zealous. God requires those who have power, to use it for the suppor of religion, the redress of grievances, and repairing of decays. The king employed the priests to manage, as most likely to be hearty in the work. But nothing was done effectually till the twenty-third year of his reign. Another method was therefore taken. When publi distributions are made faithfully, public contributions will be mad cheerfully. While they were getting all they could for the repair of the temple, they did not break in upon the stated maintenance of the priests. Let not the servants of the temple be starved, under colour of repairing the breaches of it. Those that were intrusted did the business carefully and faithfully. They did not lay it out in ornament for the temple, till the other work was completed; hence we may learn in all our expenses, to prefer that which is most needful, and, in dealing for the public, to deal as we would for ourselves.
Original Hebrew ויהי1961 בשׁנת8141 עשׂרים6242 ושׁלשׁ7969 שׁנה8141 למלך4428 יהואשׁ3060 לא3808 חזקו2388 הכהנים3548 את853 בדק919 הבית׃1004
